Anakie coach Jayke Mawson isn’t shying away from the importance of Saturday’s clash with Thomson, as last year’s elimination finalists attempt to remain in touch with the GDFNL top five.
The Roos sit ninth on the ladder after the first third of the season, two games outside the log-jammed top five, where four teams share 4-2 win-loss records.
A win over the Tigers at De Motts Road will, at worst, bring Anakie to within a game of fifth place.
However, a loss for the Roos, who also own the competition’s fourth-worst percentage, would be a blow to their hopes of consecutive finals appearances.
“I think this week’s massive,” Mawson said. “I had a look at the ladder, and where Thomson are at as well, I think it’s probably a big game for them too.
“If you lose this week, you’re definitely well behind the eight-ball.
“It’s a game we should be winning at the moment. We’ve beaten sides that are below us. Thomson is still below us, so that’ll make us three and four.
“We looked at getting to the break and getting some guys back and hopefully be 5-4 at the turn and be within the mix.
“Our percentage isn’t looking too good at the moment either, so I think wins are key.”
Despite falling to perennial finalists East Geelong by 36 points last week, Mawson was far from displeased with the performance.
The Roos’ third quarter, when they were held scoreless while the Eagles kicked 4.7, proved crucial to the final result.
“We’re pretty happy with how we went against East Geelong,” Mawson said.
“We won two quarters… so we’re definitely starting to jell.
“I think it’s good with the depth that we have that we’ve been bringing guys in when other guys are out.
“It’s probably the first time I’ve been sort of happy with a loss in my career at Anakie
“I was really, really impressed with how we played.”
After running last week’s Great Ocean Road Marathon, star Luke Dahlhaus will again be missing, while talented big Oscar Barter will be missing until later in the season after suffering a calf injury in the win over Corio in Round 5.
Already planning to head overseas later in June, Barter won’t play again before he departs.
“He gets back for the last three or four rounds, and hopefully we’re in finals by then,” Mawson said.
“We’ll see how we’re tracking.”
However, co-captain Brad Gerrard is back, as are Paul Ridout and Kyle Eibl.
They replace Robbie Milne (unavailable), Michael Crossett and Kyle Connor-Kent.
East Geelong has suffered a blow, with captain John McIntyre and talented youngster Austin Mulvahil to miss Saturday’s clash with the unbeaten Werribee Centrals at Auswide Plumbing & Civil Oval.
McIntyre has a groin problem, while Mulvahil, who is part of the GDFNL interleague squad, is battling a hamstring issue.
St Joseph’s recruit Marley McCombe has been squeezed out on points, with former Warrnambool player Aleks Fedley to make his senior debut for the Eagles.
They also welcome back Bailey Payne for his first game in three weeks, with Sam King recalled from the reserves.
Star forward Ben Evans and ruck brother Jed will both be missing from the Belmont Lions team for its meeting with Bell Post Hill at Myers Reserve.
However, it’s a foot injury suffered by Josh Wilson in last week’s stirring win over Bannockburn that is of greatest concern for the Lions, with upcoming scans to determine its severity.
They’ve been replaced by the returning Ollie Mayman and Dylon Johnston, with Sam Jones to play his first senior game since the controversial clash with the Panthers last year.
Premiership player Nathan Mayes and off-season addition Zach Plant return to the Inverleigh team for its meeting with North Geelong at Keith Barclay Oval.
They replace Winchelsea recruit Michael Bourdouvalis and Jaiden Reid.
As reported on Thursday night, the reigning premier have lost luckless big man Blake Miller to a season-ending injury, with talented youngsters Osca Riccardi and Ben O’Brien also missing.
Former coach Scott Frangos will play his first game for Geelong West since losing the position when it hosts Winchelsea at Scaada Stadium.
Frangos was relieved of his role early last week, replaced by Andrew Clark.
The Giants also welcome back Kane Sewell and the experienced Mick Leamer.
They replace Riley Croft (unavailable), Jack Logan (injured) and Stirling Keane.
Winchelsea will be without co-captain Jordan Huf, who is serving the first match of a two-game suspension, and former Port Adelaide midfielder Ryan Williams.
Corio has made three changes for its meeting with Banockburn at All In One Service Oval.
The Devils have included debutant Buckley Weber, Hayden Taylor and Tommy Short as the replacements for Kade Bergen (unavailable), Brayden Cotter (soreness), and Mikali Harrison (injured).
More to come
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